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About Vasai

Often called mini Goa due to its many beaches, Vasai is a fortified town located north of Mumbai. The major attraction here is the Vasai Fort, built by the Portuguese to strengthen their navy. The town in full of historical and religious significance and natural beauty is all around.
The Rangaon Beach and the Gorai Beach are great beaches with clean coastlines. A walk around town will bring you to a few churches that bear heavy resemblances to the ones in Goa.
But the unmissable attraction is the Vasai Fort, which is best explored in a leisurely fashion with a group of friends. A church with an empty altar will lead you to the several staircases, pillars, dilapidated walls and finally to the top from where the Arabian Sea looks nothing short of magical. And if you want a little more adventure, visit this historical fort at dusk and get ready to be spooked.Read More

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January,February,March,October,November,December

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Called the Oxford of the East, Pune is a bubbling cosmopolitan city. A large student hub, this city loves art, culture and theatre.
The Sahyadri hill range of the Western Ghats makes this destination ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. A shower of rain brings the city alive.
The Agha Khan Palace of Pune is a sprawling complex with emerald green gardens and sprawling lawns, perfect for a casual stroll. The Shaniwarwada is an ancient structure built by the Peshwas and the ruins of this marvellous architecture can still be seen in the city. Dedicated to the brave hearts of the Indian Army, the National War Museum is a popular tourist destination and houses militia paraphernalia.
Those interested in meditation can get day passes from the Osho International Meditation Resort, which is very popular with tourists.
Handcrafted beer, baked goodies at the Kayani Bakery on East Street and eateries such as Touche the Sizzler, Malaka Spice and Dario's will complete your trip here. Read More

Called the Oxford of the East, Pune is a bubbling cosmopolitan city. A large student hub, this city loves art, culture and theatre.
The Sahyadri hill range of the Western Ghats makes this destination ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting. A shower of rain brings the city alive.
The Agha Khan Palace of Pune is a sprawling complex with emerald green gardens and sprawling lawns, perfect for a casual stroll. The Shaniwarwada is an ancient structure built by the Peshwas and the ruins of this marvellous architecture can still be seen in the city. Dedicated to the brave hearts of the Indian Army, the National War Museum is a popular tourist destination and houses militia paraphernalia.
Those interested in meditation can get day passes from the Osho International Meditation Resort, which is very popular with tourists.
Handcrafted beer, baked goodies at the Kayani Bakery on East Street and eateries such as Touche the Sizzler, Malaka Spice and Dario's will complete your trip here.

If you stay in Pune, just few km's ride could get you awesome beaches. During my stay, i have been to a place which was completely hush with amazing natural ambiance all around.

The Queen of Deccan, Poona, is one city that mesmerises me. Always.Where else would you encounter virtues like trust, honesty in absolute strangers? A florist: “Tai, paise udya dya. Me kuthe jaanar ahe”? (Roughly translated-“Sis, pay me tomorrow, I am not going anywhere.” So much is the trust that he believes the customer will pay later; and so does the customer!) And this is not an isolated incident. Experiences like these want you to believe in humanity. And the goodness that is Pune.‘Punyanagari’ (virtuous city) nee Detroit of India, nee Oxford of the East nee the Cultural capital of Maharashtra is at ease donning multiple hats. Dotted with reputed research and educational institutions, the intellectually rich city is known byFergusson College, National Defence Academy, Symbiosis International University,National Chemical Laboratory, and Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics among many others.From walking its streets as a school girl to a mother now, I feel like a fish in water in Pune.Here's thetunictravellers (yours truly) ‘top 10 things to do’ in Pune-Soak in the festive fervour during ‘Ganpati’- Pune is at its celebrating best during the 10 day Ganesh festival. Thousands of ‘Mandals’ come up with varied décor and themes each year to compete for the best ‘Mandal’ award. The ‘Dhol’ and ‘Tasha’ performances reverberate energy and are worth watching ‘live’. Go ‘Mandal’ hopping after 7.00 p.m. to catch the beautiful illuminations and visit Dagdusheth (the most loved), Tulshi Baug, Kasba, Mandai, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Kesariwada and Guruji Talim Mandals. It gets extremely crowded by 9.00 p.m., so start early to miss the mobs.

Bhutan had been on my bucket list for a very very long while. I have been living in the southern part of the country for a while now, making Bhutan just a difficult and distant dream. Travelling has been a way of life for me and taught me never to miss out on a golden ticket. I recently got back from a short solo trip in/around Hampi (searching for the purpose of life as they say) but I realized I needed more time and had to go the extra mile. The Royal Enfield Tour of Bhutan 2016 came as the calling of a lifetime.

Day 2 started off with a morning walk in the huge resort (which was 100+ acres huge) followed by their breakfast which was out of the world!Unfortunately, my trip was just for 1 day and I had to leave for the airport unless I planned to miss my flight! 🙈😂

Like most of the people who started their job-lives in the near past i managed to reach my "i need a break" moment pretty soon.I could manage to take a few trips here n there but i figured the key was to completely breakaway from all known ties around me.Hampi seemed to be the perfect getaway on the strategically occurring Rakhi long weekend.I had no clue about the place. There was no plan. It seemed perfect.

Like many, I am one of those Delhiites who was fortunate enough to study in Pune. Four magical years of college can make any city seem special but there is something very charming about Pune which makes it extra special.It's been 3 years since I completed my engineering from BVP Pune but never seem to have gotten a closure. I wanted to have a proper goodbye and I, not being an impulsive person, decided to make an exception. I planned a 3 day trip back to the city that has filled my head with memories.All I am trying to do here is connect with those students who never got over this city. Here are your reasons to go back and live it all over.1. The enchanting rain and the god damn amazing weather.

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,December

Surrounded by lush green valleys and numerous caves, Lonavala is a hill station set in the Sahyadri ranges. Its various treks, such as the Lonavala-Bhimashankar trek and the climb to Lohagad Fort and Duke’s Nose make it a favourite spots for trekkers and hikers.
Lonavala gleams beautifully green during the monsoon months, with waterfalls oozing out of everywhere. Besides the hikes, there are the the Karla and Bhaja caves, Tiger’s Leap, Lonavala Lake and Bhushi Dam to visit. Apart from its boundless scenic beauty, Lonavala now boasts of a private adventure park as well.
With endless shops in a row selling chikkis of all flavours, Lonavala is a paradise for all chikki lovers. The trademark chocolate walnut fudge is another scrumptious sweet treat.
By virtue of connecting the prominent cities of Mumbai and Pune by both road and rail, Lonavala serves as a quick escape resort town having accommodation of all kinds and for all budgets. Read More

Surrounded by lush green valleys and numerous caves, Lonavala is a hill station set in the Sahyadri ranges. Its various treks, such as the Lonavala-Bhimashankar trek and the climb to Lohagad Fort and Duke’s Nose make it a favourite spots for trekkers and hikers.
Lonavala gleams beautifully green during the monsoon months, with waterfalls oozing out of everywhere. Besides the hikes, there are the the Karla and Bhaja caves, Tiger’s Leap, Lonavala Lake and Bhushi Dam to visit. Apart from its boundless scenic beauty, Lonavala now boasts of a private adventure park as well.
With endless shops in a row selling chikkis of all flavours, Lonavala is a paradise for all chikki lovers. The trademark chocolate walnut fudge is another scrumptious sweet treat.
By virtue of connecting the prominent cities of Mumbai and Pune by both road and rail, Lonavala serves as a quick escape resort town having accommodation of all kinds and for all budgets.

Della Adventure claims to be "India's largest extreme adventure park", so if you're a corporate slave in Mumbai looking to set your pulse racing for a moment, this is the ideal destination for you to do so. They offer an alternate (and safer) form of bungee jumping, which is called bungee trampoline. You might have seen it many malls, but the one here is meant only for adults, as it is 28 mtrs high. They strap you all around and send you to a flight of fancy.Location: Old Highway, Kunegaon, LonavlaPrice: Rs. 500Height: 28 mtrsWebsite: www.dellaadventure.com

Lonavala, Maharashtra: This quaint little hill station on the outskirts of Mumbai, is your perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city. Get backpacking, and head to this place atop the Sahyadris and surrounded by the ghats. Don’t be surprised if you can feel the clouds take you along as they move from one destination to the other. Tiger Point, a Buddhist Cave and a waterfall near Budhi dam are some of the major attractions of this place. A few hours drive from Mumbai, Lonavala has its own railway station too. But missing out on the road journey to this spot can be too much to ask for.

LONAVLAI think this is the most popular Mumbai weekend getaway and lot of Mumbaites have a second house there to go to on weekends to enjoy fresh air! Also, don't know why, but Mumbaikars love to crib about this place too (landing up there quite often too, but still cribbing!)! There are too many people there I agree, but then not everywhere. And there are lots of different things to do there!I actually have been there thrice and done different things everytime. The first time was after the Mumbai attacks when we just wanted to get away from the tv and news! Was an impromptu trip, just left on the weekend for Lonavla. The drive as always is refreshing, and with the Pune-Mumbai expressway, a pleasure to drive on. Lonavla was actually too hot that time of the year.In the morning, went to Kamshed for Parasailing. They actually have foreigners staying there for long stretches, to get parasailing training and practice. And there is a huge lake there too for tp (again!). The drive takes you through rural India, and there are lot of good shots to take.The next trip was the first day of the monsoons this year. And Lonavla looked completely different then, green and fresh! Sometimes, its tough to believe that both the places are the same! We actually welcomed the monsoon before it came to Mumbai! It was raining all the way, and the drive was fully green. We stopped at Bhusi dam where again it was raining, we had bhutta, and then drove off to Amby valley where we were not allowed in. Dinner at a resort (there are countless resorts there!!) with a valley view and then back to Mumbai.

We started our trek at 2:30 am in the night from Lonavala station. Our trek leader - Vikram - made it clear at the beginning that we were embarking on an endurance trek, and everyone will have to stick with the group's pace and finish the trek in the designated time. We were happy to comply, but the scorching pace set by Vikram took us by surprise. Everyone is the group was a seasoned trekker, as was clearly evident from the wear and tear of their Action Trekking shoes - The best trekking shoes for Sahayadris. We knew, we had to up our game. Our enemies for the trek would be my heavy backpack and Bhavini's shoe bytes. We were well prepared for the shoe bites, as we carried sufficient masking tape and sponge to reduce the friction. We are happy to report, that our plan worked and she got away with bare minimum shoe bites from the trek.

Lonavala is a hill station near Pune in Maharashtra. Every year thousands of visitors visit this place. It's just a journey of two hours from Mumbai, so it's a common picnic spot for many teenagers and youth along with their friends or families to hang out with during the weekends. Lonavala is known for it's famous "chikki" which are available in many flavors including chocolate, strawberry and cashewnuts chikkis and almonds chikki. Shops like Maganlal and Chivadas are very well known for these chikkis. If you are fond of sweets and candies, Lonavala won't dissapoint you. Vada pav and panipuri are also very delicious here.Reaching Lonavala from Mumbai is quiet flexible. You can either hire a car and choose to have a road trip or instead commute by bus. Usually the trips comprising only of Lonavala is for a day itself wherein visitors return on the same day by night. But if you plan to cover Khandala too, 2-3 day trip is advisable. They are the twin hill stations in the Pune district. The best time to visit Pune is during the monsoons to enjoy the majestic beauty of nature. Me along with my friends had visited Lonavala to celebrate our friend's birthday. And it's not wrong to say hanging out with friends is extremely fun and a great way of knowing each other more. We had hired a car and trust me, the entire journey all we did was just gossip and eat, and of course admire the beauty of this place.

18. Lonavla -This hill resort offers a refreshing change of scenery. Just a three hour road trip from Mumbai it is a popular weekend getaway abuzz with adventuresome activities from trekking, camping and waterfall rappelling. Monsoon is the best time to see this hill station come alive. A place made very popular by Bollywood is Khandala and Lonavla, twin hill resorts that are about 93 kilometres away from the city along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. These two places stand 5 kilometres apart from each other and offer one adventures like trekking, camping under the skies, tour’s of the various farm houses that dot the place and water rappelling. The Korigad Fort is a great monument that stands here and so are the caves, Bhaja, Lohgad, the Tiger’s leap and Karla. It would also be fun to get a glimpse of the Duke’s Nose, a cliff that resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington and aptly named after him.

18. Lonavla -When the monsoons come, the best place to visit is just a two hour drive away. Lonavla is a paradise during this time of the year and is at a height of 2041 feet above the sea. This hill station is a wonderful place to get away for the weekend and spend a few days in quietness. Nestled in the Sahyadri Ranges, this getaway spot is ideal for those who wish to snooze undisturbed.If you a looking for a good picnic spot to spend the weekend with your family, you may want to consider this place that is just 66 kilometres along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. For trekkers, this place has a lot to offer you. Visit the hill called the ‘Duke’s Nose’ or cave like Bhaja and Bhedsa for an adventure that will thrill you. The best time to pay this place a visit would be from October through to the month of April. We have made things a lot easier for you by adding Lonavala on our list of offbeat weekend getaways from Pune. Try water rappelling at Durshet, visit a rice plantation or camp out at Maval, this place is filled with options for you.

Best time to visit - January,February,September,October,November,December

Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a nature lover's delight. Popular for its stunning beauty, peace and serenity, Panchgani is a favourite weekend spot.
A small trek to Sydney Point will offer you picturesque views of the Dhom Dam with the river flowing along the valley. Besides this, Table Land, situated here is the second longest mountain plateau of Asia. For everyone who is interested in history, Devil's Kitchen is a must visit. Located close to Table Land, Devil's Kitchen is said to have been home to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic for a while. The Pāndavgad Caves (near Wāi) are also said to be built by them then.
Parsi Point is another interesting touristy spot. It is the windiest part of Panchghani and is a part of the road which leads to Mahabaleshwar. The other attractions here include Bhim Chula, Harrison's Valley, Lingmala Point and Rajauri Caves.Read More

Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a nature lover's delight. Popular for its stunning beauty, peace and serenity, Panchgani is a favourite weekend spot.
A small trek to Sydney Point will offer you picturesque views of the Dhom Dam with the river flowing along the valley. Besides this, Table Land, situated here is the second longest mountain plateau of Asia. For everyone who is interested in history, Devil's Kitchen is a must visit. Located close to Table Land, Devil's Kitchen is said to have been home to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic for a while. The Pāndavgad Caves (near Wāi) are also said to be built by them then.
Parsi Point is another interesting touristy spot. It is the windiest part of Panchghani and is a part of the road which leads to Mahabaleshwar. The other attractions here include Bhim Chula, Harrison's Valley, Lingmala Point and Rajauri Caves.

2. Panchgani, situated at an altitude of 1334 meters and 244 km away from Mumbai, It lies in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular weekend getaways. There are several interesting must-see places of interest which attract tourists. One such is the Sydney Point which is situated on a hill facing the picturesque Krishna Valley. The various other places to see are the Parsi Point, the Devil’s Kitchen, The Table land and the Mapro Garden. One can even engage in leisurely walks in the local bazaar.

If it hadn’t been for the constant search of the British for scenic hill stations with invigorating climate, Panchgani probably wouldn’t have been discovered. It was developed as a retirement place but soon became one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra. Its beauty is enhanced by a flat piece of land which is called the ‘table top’.The credit for discovering Panchgani must go to a British superintendent named John Chesson who was placed in charge of the hill station in the 1860s. Fond of gardening, he planted many species from the western world in Panchgani, including silver oak and poinsettia, which have flourished since then. To develop the infrastructure, Chesson encouraged various professionals – tailors, dhobis, butchers, vegetable vendors, building contractors, etc. to also settle in Panchgani. The area below the bazaar was allotted to them, and is known as the ‘gaothan’.Panchgani is nestled in the middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges and amidst five villages known as Dandeghar, Khingar, Godwali, Amral and Taighat. The Krishna River flows nearby which is what has created the lake of Dhom Dam. Located 285 kilometers from Mumbai and 100 kilometers from Pune, it is the pleasant climate of Panchgani that attracts tourists, not to forget the scenic views one gets from its points.The five hills surrounding Panchgani are topped by a volcanic plateau, which is the second highest in Asia after the Tibetan Plateau. This plateau, alternatively known as ‘table land’, is a part of the Deccan Plateau. Some of the points that you must visit are Sydney Point from where you can see the waters of the Dhom Dam, Parsi Point that overlooks the Krishna valley and Devil’s Kitchen which has a mythological legend associated with it: It is believed that the Pandavas of the Mahabharat epic had stayed here for a while.Attractions in Panchgani :Sherbaug : Dwelling of many sorts of birds species such as swans, rabbits and turkeys, Sherbaug is a picturesque place in hill station Panchgani. One can also enjoy the picture-perfect surroundings along with a beautiful lush green garden. Sculpturing is the main activity carried out here to engage the children. And it is one of the main attractions of Panchgani that one should visit to take back beautiful memoirs to cherish for lifetime.

5. Panchgani -This stunning hill station will offer the entire family a beautiful view of Krishna River as well as the plains. The old colonial architecture, Parsi homes, and boarding lodges will take you back in time. The best views are from Table Land, a flat mountain peak which looks down at the plains. The local bazaar also offers some local artefacts.

5. Panchgani -Hill stations have a certain charm to them. Panchgani, located close to Pune, is no exception. This beautiful town is centred in the heart of the five hills in Sahyadris. It is also blessed with pleasant climate all through the year. In fact, the Britishers would use this place as their retreat during their rule here. It attracts people from all over the country. The River Krishna flows by and forms a serene lake at Dhom Dam, which is built right across it.A visit to one of the many strawberry farms here will definitely also make your day. One cannot doubt that Panchgani is among the best weekend getaways from Pune. Panchgani is just 101 kilometres away and is a fun filled place to trip to. Located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, tent pitching is one of the options that offered to those who like a night out in the open. Ride a bullock cart or a tractor and get back to those good old days here in Panchgani, a place that brings down the curtain on our list of offbeat weekend getaways from Pune. The Satara district of Maharashtra is blessed with a place called Panchgani that is just about 101 kilometres away from Pune. It is a place for those who swear by outdoor activities like tent pitching, bird watching, trekking along trails and camping. You can hop on to a bullock cart for a ride here as well. It is a nice place to visit and this we urge you to explore weekend getaways and resorts around Pune.With a enjoyable climate all through the year, this hill station has the perfect location between the five hills of the Sahyadri range. The British were the first to institute this place as one of the best weekend spots from Pune and it maintains the tradition to inveigle its visitors till date. River Krishna gushes nearby only to give birth to a lake with the Dhom Dam built crossways. Both the river and the dam are major tourist sites, flocked by families and trekkers in large numbers. Ideally perfect to visit from September to May, the 100 kms drive from Pune will prove to be a boon once you reach here. Strawberry farms here are many and you can even shop from these lands at negligible prices. All of it sounds exciting, doesn’t it?

The first thing that comes to my mind when i think of Panchgani is STRAWBERRYS! The place is drowning in strawberries ( quite literally). There are a few spots like Parsi point, Kate's point, Sydney point etc which don't exactly have anything to do with the names they are given as such but the view from these point are breathtakingly gorgeous. It is all almost the same picturesque view but from different angles . Another interesting visit here is the Tableland which is Asia's 2nd largest plateau . A walk till the end of the plateau gives you an amazing view of the surrounding mountains which somewhat resemble a miniature Grand Canyon ( or maybe its just my imagination running wild). So , if your a nature lover and just want to walk and explore scenic beauty Panchgani is a must go. It is best to visit this place during the monsoon season as the beauty gets enhanced by a floating layer of foggy mist endowing the entire view.

Parasailing in the Western Ghats could make you hold your breath, and how! Maharshtra which lies besides these ghats has various destinations which are great for parasailors! With the hills stretching out from Gujarat in the north to the Nilgiris, lots os sites have become favourites! Some among these are- Matheran, Deolali,Mahabaleshwar, Singhgad and Panchgani

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,October,November,December

Of panoramic views, perennial waterfalls and picturesque landscapes, Mahabaleshwar stands out as the largest and most popular hill station in the Western Ghats. Owing to comfortable temperatures, Mahabaleshwar is thronged by tourists throughout the year, except during the four months of heavy monsoons from June to September.
Being the erstwhile summer capital of the Bombay presidency during the British Raj, this place has a lot to offer — spectacular sunrise and sunset viewpoints, popular one-day treks to go on, and boating at the Venna Lake. Additionally, tourists can retrospect history at the centuries-old Pratapgad Fort and savour some toothsome jams and marmalades at the Mapro Garden.
One must not miss out on the famous corn patties and strawberry cream when in Mahabaleshwar. Should you visit in March, you will be lucky to witness the gastronomically delightful Strawberry Festival that takes place every year. Plan a weekend getaway to this hill station and you will be impressed. Read More

Of panoramic views, perennial waterfalls and picturesque landscapes, Mahabaleshwar stands out as the largest and most popular hill station in the Western Ghats. Owing to comfortable temperatures, Mahabaleshwar is thronged by tourists throughout the year, except during the four months of heavy monsoons from June to September.
Being the erstwhile summer capital of the Bombay presidency during the British Raj, this place has a lot to offer — spectacular sunrise and sunset viewpoints, popular one-day treks to go on, and boating at the Venna Lake. Additionally, tourists can retrospect history at the centuries-old Pratapgad Fort and savour some toothsome jams and marmalades at the Mapro Garden.
One must not miss out on the famous corn patties and strawberry cream when in Mahabaleshwar. Should you visit in March, you will be lucky to witness the gastronomically delightful Strawberry Festival that takes place every year. Plan a weekend getaway to this hill station and you will be impressed.

7. Mahabaleshwar is a sublime hill station nestled in the Western Ghats. It is situated at an altitude of 1372m and 263 Km from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar offers panoramic views of the surrounding Ghats. It is often referred to as ‘Queen of hill stations’ in Maharashtra. The lush green landscapes are sure to take you in a different era all together. It is a tranquil and serene holiday destination. Mahabaleshwar’s beauty can be seen in the exotic peaks and the lovely rivers that flow by. It is easy to get mesmerised by various attractions such as Morarji castle, Mount Malcom, Pratapgarh Fort and Rajpuri Caves.

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in western ghats range. It features several viewing points like Arthur's seat, centuries old Pratapgad, the tempting strawberry farms, serene sunset point, the gigantic elephant head point, Mapro garden for shopping mapro products and having freshly baked pizza and sandwiches.ARTHUR SEAT POINT

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in India's forested Western Ghats range, south of Mumbai, India. It features several elevated viewing points, such as Arthur’s Seat. West of here is centuries-old Pratapgad Fort, perched atop a mountain spur. East, Lingmala Waterfall tumbles off a sheer cliff. Colorful boats dot Venna Lake, while 5 rivers meet at Panch Ganga Temple to the north.It is a very popular hill station as it is very close to both Mumbai and Pune and is hardly a 2-2.5 hours ride from Pune and around 3-4 from Mumbai. Panchgani is the sister town of Mahabaleshwar and on a lower altitude. The best time for a quick visit will no doubt be during the monsoons as the views will be spectacular and the cool breeze hitting your face is way too refreshing.The thing about Mahabaleshwar is that it can be done in a day as well or by staying for a night or two and then heading back. Apart from the various viewpoints, the main attraction is the MaproGarden, it has it all, from a good restaurant selling good big pizzas, sandwiches, and milkshakes; to selling counters and tasting booths, it even has a chocolate factory.Mapro sells a lot of fruit juices and squashes and the best part is you can taste them all here on the multiple tasting booths here. Just tell them which flavor you want to try and if you want milk or water and they will mix it up in a shot glass for you to taste (Just make sure not to try too many from the same booth, alternate between the booths to make the best out of this tasting opportunity).If you do like some of the flavors, you can directly purchase it from the selling counters a subsidized rates. There is a strawberry farm in the vicinity and the horticulture has been done in an impressive manner.A 3 day / 2 night trip to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani can be easily done in INR 3000-4000. Here’s what I did:-Being my 1st independent trip from Pune I booked up a 3 star hotel from Groupon (Nearbuy) and shelled out almost 4k just for the hotel.-Took a Volvo from Pune for around INR 300 per head or a ST bus back for around INR 50 per head. Our hotel was in Panchgani , a 2 km walk downslope from the Bus stand, so went for an all viewpoint trip with a Cab for INR 1600.-As our hotel was in a bit secluded location we ended up having food from the in-house restaurant and shelled out roughly 1000 per head for 4 meals.Obviously I overspent in all the parameters, but here’s how you can reduce the costs and do the trip in a INR 3000-4000 budget.Read the full post at Eat, Travel, Live and REPEAT/Mahabaleshwar-budget-tripShow your love by liking, sharing and commenting.

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani: The two towns together make the best getaway destination for people from Mumbai. The vast and endless plateau of Mahabaleshwar is surrounded with hills on all sides. Wilson or Sunrise Point is the highest point in the town at 1439 m. Other scenic locations in the town include Kate's Point and Connaught Peak.Nearest airport is Pune, around 120 km from Mahabaleshwar. Nearest railway station is in Satara, however Pune remains the most frequently used railhead.Read More: Finding the serenity at Mahabaleshwar by Drashti Buch

As a part of my mission to complete the Gounesco challenge to visit all the world heritage sites in India I planned a trip to Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry. There are examples of rock cut architecture and monuments are scattered all around the city. You could either hire an auto-rickshaw or walk . I saved a lot of money by spending the most of trip on foot and it was bearable as I had my hubby Ajay along with me. But each to his/her own.
Despite our decision to cover most of the journey on foot we still had to take buses and Trains as puny little mortals that human beings are , we could only travel so far on foot. There are plenty of places to see in both Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry. Exploring on foot has its own advantages. You get to meet a lot more people and as we chanced upon this local man who directed us on the sequence to visit different monuments, it saved us a lot of time and pain.We begun with a place called Arjuna’s penance . It is a park like complex with many viharas which would catch your attention. It also houses Krishna’s butter ball the precariously balanced rock. The toilets here were really clean and it is the right place if you need to freshen up. We clicked a few pics and had some slices of cucumber. That helped a lot. But we were beaten by heat which seemed to escalate as soon as we reached Mahabalipuram . Some of the places that we visited were :
Arjuna’s penance
Krishna's Butter Ball
Varaha Mandapa
Gopuram
5 rathas
Shore Temple
It didn't take us much time to walk around all the monuments but the heat wore us down terribly. We had to stop and take gatorades and some fruits to freshen up. Some local shopkeepers take advantage of tourists and charge a bit extra for simple things like water bottles. But still it was beautiful and the sound of sea beyond was really relaxing. Do go to the shrines behind the shiva lings in Shore Temple. We spent some more time here and the blisters on my feet had really started showing their face. Hopping a bit we walked out to feed ourselves and ended up at the inn deco hotel. Definitely not a cheap place though not as exorbitant some of our previous trips had been. After having our meals we proceeded to take a bus to Pondicherry . All we wanted was a cold bath and hot water to dip our feet in, followed by a good night’s sleep so that we can greet Jobin and Pondicherry next day with fresh faces and bodies.We reached Pondicherry around 6 in the evening and the auto wallahs were there offering us a drop to beach in just 40 rupees. We pulled out Ajay’s phone and checked our location. It was a straight road 2.5 km walk and we decided to walk it and save another 40. I am sure we did earn ourselves some stars from the cheap travelling god above. Blisters on my feet slowed us down to a great extent but we somehow managed to get to Ajantha Beach Guest house. Ajay had been in contact with them over last two days and we were awaiting our thousand rupees a night room to welcome us with AC and a shower. When we reached they told us they had not made any bookings in our name and we were asked to take beach view rooms for 1500. We were not having any of this, we walked out. After walking around a bit we finally cracked a deal at 1200 for a room at the guest house next to it called mother’s guest house. Finally it was time for a bath as Aj enjoyed the bed and AC. Jobin was coming in next day and we were once more searching for better accommodation.Though I would have loved 1500 apartment we settled to pay 1800 for the apartment and it was a blessing. Jobin was coming at 5 in the morning and we barely had any sleep after that. We walked out to greet sun on the promenade. Did I forget to tell you that the guest house was a stone’s throw from the beach? It used to be old port office for Pondicherry port. After our coffee and a glass of herbal drink from a local vendor for the boys it was time to freshen up and leave for the new accommodation. Once we had checked out we started on foot for the apartment and breakfast. Adamant to have local food, we walked 2kms to our meeting point with the person who would take us to the apartment. We called him up and he would come in soon. Finally we saw a ‘bandi’ it served awesome idlis and Puri. We dug into our breakfast of awesome local cuisine and ended up paying 45/- for our more than filling meal. A cup of tea later we found Mr. Ashok who took us to the cute apartment which was to house us for next two days. The places that visited in Pondicherry were :
Matrimandir
View point
Hot Pizzeria Eatery
Kadpakkam
Alambarai fort and beach
After having local food on the way and exploring new destinations , it was time for us to say goodbye. Next day it was time to make a move to Chennai and then off to Hyderabad for us and Bangalore for Jobin. This time we decided to get an AC bus. Jobin got some food packed and we got on the bus reading our time away. We reached Chennai in three and a half hours and had our lunch at the CMBT. We reached central in 15B and now we had to wait. We said our goodbyes and walked over to our train which was waiting for us on the platform.Now for the practical part of it all of this @ per person.
Hitec City MMTS to Secunderabad Rs.5/-
Charminar express from Hyd to Chennai @ 6:55pm Rs. 380/-
Central to CMBT Rs.13/-
CMBT to Mahabalipuram Rs.50/-
Entry tickets to the world heritage sites Rs.10/- (Indian)
Mahabalipuram Bye pass to Pondicherry Rs.60/-
Food and other expenses Rs.400/-
Total for the day Rs.918/-Tip: When at CMBT and if you want a cheap bus, go to the rear of the terminus and ask around a lot. The bus we were in was going to Kadpakkam.Expenditure in Pondicherry (3 days)Accommodation Rs.1800/-
Bike rent and petrol Rs.200/-
Bus to Kadpakkam and back Rs.86/- (we over paid while going to Kadpakkam)
Shared autos and bus (Pondi and Alambarai) Rs.35/-
Food and other miscellaneous expenditure Rs.1000/-
Bus to Chennai Rs.190/-
Bus to central Rs.9/-
Total Rs. 3320/-

10. Mahabaleshwar -One of the best places for a weekend getaway would have to be Mahabaleshwar. The large plateau is surrounded by valleys on all four sides. It is among the best picnic spots situated near Pune. What adds to its charm? The lush evergreen forests and beautiful imagery. Legend has it that Mahadev temple is located where the River Krishna originates. A boat ride down Vienna Lake is definitely worth your time. Pratapgarh Fort is another historical place of significance one can visit. Strawberries and resorts is a luxury resort at Mahabaleshwar that is located amidst valleys that grow strawberries. The place is modern with all the amenities that one can ask for. It is a great place to rush off to for the weekend with your family. So be wise and try this out.

In recent years Matheran has gained such popularity that it's unmissable. A must on any traveller's list, it offers one a peaceful, quiet and laidback holiday. Situated close to Mumbai, this plateau is home to dense forests, waterfalls and the lovely Ulhas River.
Matheran is a non-motorable zone and you'll be thankful for the quiet it offers even though it's so crowded. One would also spot a number of tourists from Mumbai, especially if you are here during the weekend. Matheran has a number of touristy spots including various view points. Though the best way to explore and experience this serene destination is on your own. Any direction you head in, you will be accompanied by dense forests, melodious sounds of nature and striking sights of surrounding hills.
Some of the more popular viewing spots in Matheran are Panorama Point, Monkey Point and Echo Point. They are a must-visit and you should definitely include them in your itinerary. There are tons of great hotels in Matheran that attempt to offer visitors an exceptional experience with unique activities and experiences.Read More

In recent years Matheran has gained such popularity that it's unmissable. A must on any traveller's list, it offers one a peaceful, quiet and laidback holiday. Situated close to Mumbai, this plateau is home to dense forests, waterfalls and the lovely Ulhas River.
Matheran is a non-motorable zone and you'll be thankful for the quiet it offers even though it's so crowded. One would also spot a number of tourists from Mumbai, especially if you are here during the weekend. Matheran has a number of touristy spots including various view points. Though the best way to explore and experience this serene destination is on your own. Any direction you head in, you will be accompanied by dense forests, melodious sounds of nature and striking sights of surrounding hills.
Some of the more popular viewing spots in Matheran are Panorama Point, Monkey Point and Echo Point. They are a must-visit and you should definitely include them in your itinerary. There are tons of great hotels in Matheran that attempt to offer visitors an exceptional experience with unique activities and experiences.

6. Matheran is an eco-friendly hill station located merely 90 km from Mumbai. Situated in the Karjat District in Western Ghats, The name of the place means ‘forest on the forehead.’ Matheran is Asia’s only automobile free hill station. There are several viewpoints in this beautiful place. One of them is the Panorama Point which provides a stunning 360 degree view, and an ideal point to enjoy sunrise and sunset. There are numerous other points too such as Louisa Point , One Tree Hill Point, Rambagh point and Hart point, all offering stunning views.

Matheran is a great weekend getaway destination from Mumbai and Pune. The Best and unique part about this place is that it’s an Automobile Free Zone i.e. no cars, bikes etc can enter here. So enjoy your weekend away from the city noise and pollution. Ideal duration: 2 nights/ 3 daysBudget per Person: INR 3000/-HOW TO REACH:Matheran is less than a 2 hour drive from Mumbai. But the Vehicles are allowed only to a certain point called Aman Lodge from where either you’ll have to walk or you can take the toy train.Cheapest way to travel from Mumbai is to take a local train from Ghatkopar to Neral which costs not more thanRs.30. Neral is the nearest train station from Matheran and then take a Toy train from Neral station itself. Toy trains have fixed timings from Neral so In case you’ve missed it like I did, you have an option of taking a shared taxi from Neral station up to Aman Lodge. You can catch the toy train from here but I would suggest you to take a walk of 3 km along the train track towards the main square. You’ll feel the difference between the noisy city life and this Automobile free paradise you are entering.WHERE TO STAY:You always have an option of booking the hotel online, but it’s not really necessary for this place. Once you’ve reached the main market a lot of agents will come up to you with multiple offers of hotels, it’s not a bad idea to go with one or you can check out the hotels yourself. You can get a good room for as low asRs.1000 per Day. If you are a large group of friends, you can also rent an entire Villa with a great view and not expensive too. But make sure it’s near the market/ toy train station.WHERE TO EAT:There are a number of small food joints offering a variety of cuisines including north Indian, south Indian, Chinese, Italian etc. There are 2-3 lounges in the area as well in case you want to go for drinks. What I liked the most are these road side Maggie/ Sandwich corners which were great for quick bites. I would just order a bowl of cheese Maggie or cheese Grilled sandwich with a chocolate milk shake and I’d be done.THINGS TO DO:Horse riding is a must.Photography- Walk in the woods and capture some great moments with your camera.Experience the Sunrise from the Panorama Point and sunset from the Porcupine point.One Tree Hill- Very Similar to the one in New Zealand. Trek to this point to experience the most beautiful views.Charlotte Lake- Enjoy Maggi by the Lake and also feed the fishes. A game of Stone Skipping would be fun too.Echo Point- Must have watched people do it in movies, shout out from this point and hear the echo.Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir- Take blessings at this oldest temple in Matheran dedicated to Lord Shiva.Just get a Map and explore about 40 such amazing sightseeing points.

Monsoon is a Blessing from Nature to every living creature on the planet earth . I have seen the pictures of matheran and always wanted to visit this wonder of nature . After waiting for the right time and some adventurous travel buddies , i was not able to visit matheran . But it is said that you cannot stop your feet from wandering when the nature calls you . so i went on my first ever solo trip to matheran .Matheran is the smallest hill station in the Karjat district of Maharashtra , it is at a distance of 87 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune .I took a ticket worth 20/- and boarded a local train from Dadar to Neral , it took me arround 45 minutes to reach neral . i really had no idea what to do next haha , after getting out of the station i grabbed a wada pao and chai , mahesh mishra the chai wala provided me all the required information , about how to reach , about the view points , and the precautions to take while trekking , and yes , while trekking during monsoon rain coat or umbrella is really needed , i thanked him and moved ahead . I took a sharing taxi from neral to matheran hill station , the taxi fare was 70/- per head .After reaching at the gate i took a entry ticked of 50/- and started my solo trekking . i had many thoughts about how would be the view , how long would be the distance , what would i shoot , and many more .The Nature Blessed matheran is a mesmerising place to think and find yourself while getting lost in nature . Due to monsoon the toy train was stopped and that gave me an advantage to walk on the railway track and explore the hidden nature of matheran .while walking alone i saw beauty of nature that monsoon had blessed over me , and i had self motivating thoughts such as , i will be strong , i will make friends , etc .okkay , lots of dreaming , haha lets get back ... here i am sharing some of the best pictures from my solo trip , hope you would like it ..

For the people that visit Maharashtra to enjoy the beauty of nature that it offers definitely shouldn't miss out what the beautiful Hill station of Matheran has to offer. Serving as a very popular weekend getaway for the citizens of the city of Mumbai who seek for a break from the hustle bustle of the city and want to enjoy at a cool place, Matheran is one of the most admired Hill stations of Maharashtra.A special feature of matheran is that no motor vehicles are allowed there, not even cycles, making this hill station a pollution-free zone as well as a noise-free zone. There is a wide range of horses available all over Matheran for sightseeing, although mostly people choose to walk as it saves a lot of money and also the beauty of nature's scenery can be admired to the full extent.The beauty of this Hill station is enjoyed throughout the year by the tourist visiting this place, but according to me the best time to visit Matheran is during the monsoon season in India. During the monsoons the entire place is flooded with greenery and natural scenery. The entire place is midst of a foggy climate which makes the scenery even more spectacular, the thing I enjoyed most on this trip to Matheran is walking down the foggy roads not knowing what scenery is going to be unraveled, making the suspense even more better.The closest railway station from Matheran is Neral railway station, after that you can catch a cab till Dasturi Naka, after Dasturi naka no motor vehicles are allowed whatsoever. You can hike your way to the main street of Matheran or hire a horse to make your way up there. The entire path is beautiful and peaceful as no noise of any vehicles are audible at all.I recommend to visit this Hill station of Matheran on your visit to Maharashtra in India. Everything in this place is enjoyable, from the peace this place has to offer to the beautiful scenery and fresh air Matheran provides, everything about this Hillstation will serve as a beautiful Memory to cherish forever.

It would come as a surprise to many as to the innumerable hill stations and picnic spots lie between Mumbai-Pune highway. Matheran is one of those, that lie about 90kms from Mumbai and about 120 from Pune. Its the smallest hill station in India with the area of only around 10 Sq.M, at an altitude of 800 M and the only way to make it to this hill will be by toy trains, as motor vehicles are not allowed here. In order to get to matheran, one has to reach Narel and then forward their journey to Matheran on toy trains. The journey will witness many monkeys leaping around, sometimes near the train aswell. All that there is to see in Matheran will keep coming your way on its own. Cherish the beautiful Parsi lifestyle and British cottages that will take you back in time. If you are planning to spend the night, various accomodation options are also available but the reservation needs to be done in advance as most of the hotels only have occupancy for less that 100.Matheran can be visited at any time of the year, including monsoon. Temperature varies from 15 C to 30 C depending on the climate.

4. Matheran -Matheran is one of the most in-demand places near Mumbai. This beautiful hill station offers stunning views of the plains. If you get the chance, you must make the journey to Hart Point at night. It offers a stunning view of Mumbai. The British-Parsi architecture is also something that might catch your fancy. Take the short trip to Charlotte Lake for a little shopping.

12. Matheran -Matheran is widely regarded as India’s smallest hill station. Therefore, it is perfect for a weekend getaway away from city life. Residents of both Mumbai and Pune take long drives here for a holiday with family or friends. This gem of a place gives you close to 38 viewpoints from the site. The views are absolutely breathtaking. If you enjoy taking in the beauty of a sunset, this is the place for you. It definitely makes for one of the amazing weekend getaways from Pune.

Best time to visit - January,February,March,July,August,September,October,November,December

Famous for its many temples and ghats, Nashik is one of the holiest cities in India. And for those looking for something more, there are the Sula Vineyards to explore.
The eventful history of Nasik is evident in its various forts, including Harihar Fort and Ramshej Fort, that are sprinkled all over the city. The Sita Gufa or the Cave of Sita is believed to be the spot from where Goddess Sita was abducted by Ravana, while Panchvati is believed to be the asylum of Lord Rama during his exile. The Timbakeshwar Temple of Nasik is as much an architectural masterpiece as it is a religious centre. Carved intricately, this much-celebrated temple is perched on top of the Brahmagiri hills.
Indulge your senses at the Sula Vineyards, which offer an insightful and entertaining tour that offers information on wine manufacturing and a chance for wine tasting.
Nasik offers an impressive assortment of Maharashtrian food that is lightly influenced by the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Popular restaurants include Barbeque Ville Veg Aroma and Aster The Coffee Shop. For accommodation, Nashik has options in all segments – budget, mid-range and luxury hotels. Read More

Famous for its many temples and ghats, Nashik is one of the holiest cities in India. And for those looking for something more, there are the Sula Vineyards to explore.
The eventful history of Nasik is evident in its various forts, including Harihar Fort and Ramshej Fort, that are sprinkled all over the city. The Sita Gufa or the Cave of Sita is believed to be the spot from where Goddess Sita was abducted by Ravana, while Panchvati is believed to be the asylum of Lord Rama during his exile. The Timbakeshwar Temple of Nasik is as much an architectural masterpiece as it is a religious centre. Carved intricately, this much-celebrated temple is perched on top of the Brahmagiri hills.
Indulge your senses at the Sula Vineyards, which offer an insightful and entertaining tour that offers information on wine manufacturing and a chance for wine tasting.
Nasik offers an impressive assortment of Maharashtrian food that is lightly influenced by the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Popular restaurants include Barbeque Ville Veg Aroma and Aster The Coffee Shop. For accommodation, Nashik has options in all segments – budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.

Bhandardara is a hill statiomerely 185 km from the busy city of Mumbai, making it a very popular weekend destination. Perhaps one of the few towns that offers eco-tourism opportunities, Bhandardara is home to a number of waterfalls, lakes and temples. Situated by the Pravara river, this laid back town offers a quiet, peaceful respite from the chaos of the cities.
The lakes here include the 34 km long Lake Arthur Hill, which receives water from Randha Falls that come down from over 45 meters. It is also used as a major source of generating hydro power. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and holds religious importance.
Umbrella Falls situated near the old Wilson Dam is a beautiful tourist spot and is certainly a must visit if you'd like to spend your afternoon amidst nature. There are quite a few food stalls around so you will have enough choices for a good lunch!
The 1,200 year old temple, which features Lord Shiva's Amruteshwar Temple, is surrounded by mountains and has beautiful rock carvings on the main shrine. Do also visit the Ratangad Fort, which is located at a close distance to the old Lord Shiva Temple. Mount Kalsubai, considered to be the highest peak in Maharashtra is also located here and makes for a great trekking destination for experienced trekkers. In fact, Bhandardara has many opportunities for small treks and hikes. Read More

Bhandardara is a hill statiomerely 185 km from the busy city of Mumbai, making it a very popular weekend destination. Perhaps one of the few towns that offers eco-tourism opportunities, Bhandardara is home to a number of waterfalls, lakes and temples. Situated by the Pravara river, this laid back town offers a quiet, peaceful respite from the chaos of the cities.
The lakes here include the 34 km long Lake Arthur Hill, which receives water from Randha Falls that come down from over 45 meters. It is also used as a major source of generating hydro power. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and holds religious importance.
Umbrella Falls situated near the old Wilson Dam is a beautiful tourist spot and is certainly a must visit if you'd like to spend your afternoon amidst nature. There are quite a few food stalls around so you will have enough choices for a good lunch!
The 1,200 year old temple, which features Lord Shiva's Amruteshwar Temple, is surrounded by mountains and has beautiful rock carvings on the main shrine. Do also visit the Ratangad Fort, which is located at a close distance to the old Lord Shiva Temple. Mount Kalsubai, considered to be the highest peak in Maharashtra is also located here and makes for a great trekking destination for experienced trekkers. In fact, Bhandardara has many opportunities for small treks and hikes.

While driving around, you can see the the lake of Bhandardara. The lake is huuuuge, you can spend hours just driving around it (we did that too!). There are a couple of good resorts also located around the lake. The views around of the mountains are breathtaking, though am sure it would be even better and greener in the monsoons.

9. Bandardhara -The best views of the Bandardhara Lake and the Randha Waterfall can be enjoyed from this place. The lake was formed when the Wilson Dam was being constructed over the Pravara River. The waters when left from the dam form narrow rivulets here. Though not in a very good condition, a walking tour is worth here. The other times you can spend angling the sides of the dam. The Ratnagad fort is a nearby attraction from Bandardhara.

This place is a must for all nature-lovers and peace-seekers but with shortage of time !
It's like the Pangong Tso lake of Maharashtra.
The calmness of the lake, the display of the Sahyadri skyline, the chirping sound early in the morning, the shiver while swimming in the cold water, the green vegetation around, late night-home cooked-hot and spicy Maharashtrian food, bonfire-songs-alcohol and friends, "happiness" is the only word that I think can sum up all the above.
How to reach there ?
This place is a 4 hours drive form Mumbai (thats like hop skip and jump since that's the normal time we take to reach home on a normal day) else one can take the Kasara-Ghoti-Shendi-Bhandardhara route.
(Take the drive option, it saves time)
Who arranges for the camps ?
Once at Shendi, you can contact the locals who provide all the camping service, food and basic guidance for at nominal rates.
Where can I get alcohol ?
Well that's available at Shendi.
What if I wanna avoid all the hassles of planning ?
You can always contact the "the backpackers trail"
Link :
https://www.facebook.com/thebackpackerstrails/
(I went with them, not associated with them professionally)
Moral :
A perfect family getaway and a good choice for budding romance.
(Cost save on valentine and birthday's)

A beautiful lake, your best buddies/partner/spouse, Some really tasty Organic Maharashtrian food amids the brown Sahyadris, perfect weather with cool breeze blowing on your face, a cool dip in the shallow water, bonfire and a cozy camp. Why wont it be any good ?
This Valentine, I surprise my friends the Backpackerish Isstyle ;)

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,October,November,December

Part of the famous Daman and Diu islands, Diu is a lovely town for those who are looking for a quiet, laidback beach vacation. You will experience traces of Portuguese history and culture and it's quite a delight to discover. Do visit Ghoghla beach for the water sports and also the delicious local cuisine.
Nagoa beach is another famous beach close to Diu. It's famous for its water sports and it is also perhaps one of the few beaches where you can enjoy swimming. The best way perhaps to discover Diu is on a scooty. The roads here are very well maintained and there isn't too much traffic so it's a delight to ride here. If you have a little time on your hands, do visit the wonderful Sea Shell Museum. Though you may feel the collection is a little repetitive, it is definitely worth a visit.
The hotels and guesthouses here are exceptionally welcoming and warm. Do a thorough research before you decide on a place to stay since it can make all the difference!Read More

Part of the famous Daman and Diu islands, Diu is a lovely town for those who are looking for a quiet, laidback beach vacation. You will experience traces of Portuguese history and culture and it's quite a delight to discover. Do visit Ghoghla beach for the water sports and also the delicious local cuisine.
Nagoa beach is another famous beach close to Diu. It's famous for its water sports and it is also perhaps one of the few beaches where you can enjoy swimming. The best way perhaps to discover Diu is on a scooty. The roads here are very well maintained and there isn't too much traffic so it's a delight to ride here. If you have a little time on your hands, do visit the wonderful Sea Shell Museum. Though you may feel the collection is a little repetitive, it is definitely worth a visit.
The hotels and guesthouses here are exceptionally welcoming and warm. Do a thorough research before you decide on a place to stay since it can make all the difference!

Diu: These serene beaches of the west coast make for a perfect trip for the first month of the year. Enjoy parasailing and wind surfing at Nagao Beach and Ghoghla Beach and behold the vision of the clearest sky above the vast Arabian Sea.Diu is well connected to major cities of India by bus. The nearest railway stations to this destination are Somnath (SMNH) and Veraval (VRL). Regular flights are also available from cities across India to Diu Airport (DIU).Read More: Diu- An Underrated Coastal Heaven by Harleen Kalsi

Diu town, an island measuring 40 km² , is part of the Daman and Diu union territory. It was in possession of Portuguese from 1535 until 1961, when the Indian government launched Operation Vijay - A fierce land, air, and water attack that lasted 48 hours until the Portuguese surrendered. Diu was declared a union territory as part of Goa, Daman, and Diu. Goa was later provided full statehood in 1987. Portuguese left the island nearly 55 years ago, but their influence runs deep - be it the food, the architecture or the people of Diu

This little corner in India has a coastal length of only 21kms but has amassed greatly from its Portuguese history—the architecture and cultural identity—while being inﬂuenced by the Gujarati culture. The Diu Fort is its most famous attraction, but a visit to the Naida Caves behind it, the Church of St Francis of Assissi (the oldest church in Diu), and the secluded Gomptimata Beach for its serene stretch of white sand, is a must. Just beyond Gujarat, the union territory is also a major getaway from the state if you’re looking for a nightclub that serves liquor.WHAT TO DO:If Goa is not your ideal destination with the little ones, this less-crowded doppelganger has pretty beaches like Nagoa, Ghoghla, Jallandhar, Simbor among others where they can engage in water sports (banana boating, jet skiing, speed boating) or parasailing, and get an aerial view of the island from a hot air balloon.3. Majuli - ASSAM

Diu is a cute Portuguese township, comfortable to spend a day in. Make sure to soak up the sun at the Diu beach. A few sea facing restaurants line up the streets at Diu. The Naida Caves are definitely worth checking out, one of nature's purest form of wonders. We also went to the Portuguese fort, another major tourist attraction.

A former Portuguese colony, Diu, came under Indian control in 1961 after the successful Operation Vijay by the Indian Armed Forces.
Diu was a pivotal port linking the Indian coast to the busy trading route running through the Red Sea into Europe till the early 18th century and, had the infamous Battle of Diu fought between Portugal and a combined force of Turkey, Egypt, Venice, and the Sultan of Gujarat.
The old Portuguese Fort and the beaches on Diu Island are the well worth a visit during your time in this quaint town.

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Often called mini Goa due to its many beaches, Vasai is a fortified town located north of Mumbai. The major attraction here is the Vasai Fort, built by the Portuguese to strengthen their navy. The town in full of historical and religious significance and natural beauty is all around.
The Rangaon Beach and the Gorai Beach are great beaches with clean coastlines. A walk around town will bring you to a few churches that bear heavy resemblances to the ones in Goa.
But the unmissable attraction is the Vasai Fort, which is best explored in a leisurely fashion with a group of friends. A church with an empty altar will lead you to the several staircases, pillars, dilapidated walls and finally to the top from where the Arabian Sea looks nothing short of magical. And if you want a little more adventure, visit this historical fort at dusk and get ready to be spooked.